SULPHUR - A devoted servant to God, husband, father, grandfather, godfather and friend to all who had the pleasure of making his acquaintance, Deacon James “Chris” Gregory, 66, passed away on Saturday, Feb. 6, 2021.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday, Feb. 10, at 1 p.m. in Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Visitation will begin for the public at 9 a.m. until time of service with a Rosary being prayed at noon at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Burial will be in Consolata Cemetery in Lake Charles under the direction of Miguez Funeral Home. Fr. Timothy Goodly and Fr. Aubrey Guilbeau will officiate.
Deacon Gregory’s love for Christ was seen in all of his actions. He knew no stranger and loved to share God’s love every chance he was allowed. He had the brightest smile, most welcoming spirit and robust voice.
As a certified optician, he owned and operated Sulphur Optical Shoppe for over 30 years, serving his community in their eye wear needs. He was an Emergency Medical Technician and an active member of the Sunrise Rotary Club of Sulphur. In 2005-2006 he received the Rotarian of the Year award for 11 years of perfect attendance. He lived by the Rotarian 4-way Test. When not serving his community, he could be found at his children’s various sporting events, especially their swim meets where he held an active part as a certified swim referee/stroke official.
He was ordained a Permanent Deacon for the Diocese of Lake Charles in August 2014. Since his ordination he has served his Faith Family of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Sulphur, where he was raised. Chris was in his final year of serving the school children of the Westlake Area Schools as the CPSB Bus Driver of Bus 231.
He was preceded in death by his father, Chesley Gregory and his mother, Norma Planchard Gregory.
He leaves his best friend and beloved wife of 42 years, Mary Lynn (Hayes) Gregory; four children, Sarah Bannan (Christopher) of Mandeville, La, Rebekah Bernard (Andrew) of Lumberton, Tx, Dr. Nicholas Gregory (Sarah) of Monroe, La, and Hannah Rogers (Paul) of Lake Charles; 15 grandchildren; Kaeleb Rogers, Evan Bernard, Noah Bannan, Logan Bannan, Emmelia Bernard, Hailey Bannan, Ethan Bernard, Chesley Bannan, E.J. Bernard, Elizabeth Bannan, Earon Bernard, Lillian Gregory, Joseph Rogers, Stephen Bannan, and Eliza Gregory. Sister, Candace “Candy” Buser, brothers; Dr. Chesley “Pip” Gregory (Trudy), and Dr. Joseph “Joey” Gregory (Debra); sister-in-law Nell Richard and brother -in-law Tony Hayes (Ann); along with many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
The family respectfully asks that visitors wear masks and practice social distancing, adhering to local regulations regarding COVID-19. In lieu of flowers please donate to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital “In memory” of Deacon Chris Gregory.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
